Metro Athens has the lowest rate in the state - 6.1 percent; the Altamaha-Heart of Georgia region, the highest, 11.2.
Fewer new layoffs and, in some cases, new jobs get most of the credit for the declines.
The number of jobs in metro Gainesville increased by 800, climbing to 74,500 from 73,700 in January. Most of the growth came in the service-related industries, along with state and local government.
Over-the-year also, metro Gainesville added 800 jobs, or 1.1 percent, from 73,700 in February 2012. Most of the growth was in the service-related industries and state and local government.
The number of first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits fell by 673 from 1,329 in January to 656 in February. The decreases came mostly in construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation, and warehousing, and administrative and support services. And, the number of initial claims was down over-the-year by 281from 937 in February 2012. Most of the over-the-year decline came in the same industries as the monthly decline.

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